Leveraging the electronic and optical industries in Taiwan, Abnova has set the goal to develop a label-free approach to quantify protein using a single antibody. "The ability to quantify all the proteins in the human genome is the next big thing. We feel we have an important contribution to make in this critical area with a large unmet need. We have been working on the system for the last three years. A commercial prototype will be ready this year. We are excited," Dr Huang shares delightfully.

Under the guidance and management of Dr Huang and his team, Abnova has evolved as one of world's largest antibody manufacturer with the capacity to generate 300 mouse monoclonal antibodies and 200 rabbit polyclonal antibodies per month. Abnova has produced more than 16,000 recombinant proteins, 11,000 MaxPab antibodies, 12,000 monoclonal antibodies and 15,000 polyclonal antibodies targeting the human genome. These products are marketed through a combination of E-commerce-based direct sales and a multi-tiered sales network of over 49 distributors.

Eyes on the future

Sharing his thoughts on the next exciting phase for Abnova, Dr Huang says, "We are making very good progress in diagnostic and therapeutic arena. For example, we have set up GMP manufacturing to produce analyte-specific reagents to initiate clinical trial for in vitro diagnostic for lung cancer. Moreover, antibodies are being humanized to create the lead drug antibody candidate for treatment of prostate cancer and other ailments."

He further adds, "The company has already paved the path to systems, diagnostic and therapeutic product development, which will fuel the growth and expansion of the company. Working out the details and overcoming the obstacles are the main daily task. The solid foundation that Abnova has built on antibody manufacturing will enable it to achieve the goals efficiently. We are opening new chapters for Abnova."

To young entrepreneurs, Dr Huang says, "The most important challenge in Taiwan is the feeling of insecurity among entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators. The approach an entrepreneur takes to overcome this lack of confidence is very important. It has to be concrete and real. Entrepreneurs need to do their job so that investors and regulators can do theirs."